Offensive language prevents progress

Psychiatric terms are misused so frequently in the American vernacular, we often don't even notice.

"What a psycho," "she is always having mood swings-she's bipolar," "I'm so OCD about staying organized." For many people with mental illness, the casual use of terms like these is hurtful-and a hindrance to mental health progress.

Imagine that your child has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder. Their difficulty with inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity affect their ability to learn and get along with others. When a co-worker, anecdotally, mentions that he clearly has ADD because he can't focus in a meeting, it would be extremely frustrating to know that a serious diagnosis is taken so lightly.

The first step in using language that is not offensive to others is simply recognizing when it's used. Catch yourself before using a term and think about how it might feel to have a mental illness and witness that term used inappropriately.

Person-first language is a straightforward, but important, concept to master in order to avoid offending others. It is important that all people be recognized first as a person, not by their disability, as disabilities do not define who a person is. Instead of saying "An autistic person named Edward," the better way to phrase it is "Edward, a person with autism."

In addition to the hurt that is inflicted when psychiatric terms are misused, this language builds upon the stigma that prevents many people with mental illness from seeking treatment. People are often able to live fulfilling and successful lives with mental illness, but treatment is an essential step in that process. A significant roadblock in the treatment process is the fear associated with others' perceptions of mental illness.

By shedding a positive light on the tremendous opportunities for those with mental illness, we can break down the barriers to progress that exist. Start ridding your vernacular of offensive language, and encourage others to do the same. You might just make a difference in the life of someone you know.

Mike Vizena is the former executive director of the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards.